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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A general resource guide related to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Don't Have A Webcam? Use This Instead!

During the 2020 pandemic, there was a shortage of webcams due to the increase in people working from home.  Orders and shipments of webcams were delayed and major manufacturers such as Logitech were having problems keeping up with the demand.  Resellers had also taken advantage of this situation and started price-gouging webcams, selling them for twice or triple the manufacturer's price.

Luckily, there is a much cheaper alternative. With an app on your phone, a PC or Mac computer, an internet connection, and some spare change, you can use your phone as a cheap webcam.

The apps below allow you to use the front-facing (selfie) camera of your phone over a WiFi network or via USB to broadcast as a webcam. You can also use the back camera if you wish.  It is also helpful if you use a tripod with your phone to keep it steady.

To get set up, you will need the app for your phone as well as the client software that will run on your computer.  Both of these can be found at the links below:

  • Android and iPhones: DroidCam
  • iPhones and Android Phones: iVCam
  • iPhones and Android Phones (supports MacOS): EpocCam (now part of Elgato)

Instructions for setup are included at the links above. 

Tips:

  • You need to have both the client software and the phone app running at the same time to utilize your phone’s camera in videoconferencing software such as Zoom or WebEx.
  • It is recommended but not required to purchase a pro license for these apps.  The reason being is that there are watermarks on some of the video feeds as well as being able to use the full resolution of your camera.  For more information on what the pro license offers, please see the links above.

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